Leprino Foods, the world's largest mozzarella producer, has announced the impending closure of its Lemoore East plant in California's Central Valley, a move that will result in the loss of over 300 jobs.

The company, known for supplying cheese to major pizza chains like Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's, cited several factors influencing this decision. These include the facility's age, significant capital requirements for upgrades, high operating costs in California, and the increased capacity from their new plant in Lubbock, Texas.

The Lemoore East facility has been a continuous dairy operation since 1910, with Leprino Foods taking over in the 1980s. This plant, along with the nearby Lemoore West facility, processes approximately 14 million pounds of milk daily, producing an average of 1.5 million pounds of mozzarella cheese and related products.

While the Lemoore West plant is expected to remain operational, the closure of the Lemoore East facility marks a significant shift in the company's operations. The new state-of-the-art facility in Lubbock, Texas, set to be fully operational in early 2026, is anticipated to employ around 600 people and process over 500,000 gallons of milk per day.

This move reflects a broader trend of companies relocating operations from California to Texas, driven by factors such as lower operating costs and a more favorable regulatory environment. In recent years, other food processing businesses, including frozen food manufacturer Ruiz Foods, have also moved their headquarters from California to Texas.

The closure of the Lemoore East plant is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, given the facility's long-standing presence and role as a major employer in the region. Leprino Foods has stated its commitment to supporting affected employees through this transition period.

As the company shifts its focus to the new Lubbock facility, the future of the Lemoore East site remains uncertain. The closure underscores the challenges faced by manufacturing sectors in California, including regulatory pressures and economic considerations.

For more information on the closure and its implications, you can watch the following news report:

Leprino Foods to lay off hundreds in East Lemoore plant closure

Published: November 15, 2024

Note: The above video provides additional context on the plant closure and its impact on the local community.